Georgian Bluffs has opened the online licensing portal for its Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licensing Program.
All STRA operators in the municipality are now required to obtain a licence under the program, which has been developed over the past two-and-a-half years after extensive consultation with STRA operators, local businesses and the community.
Those requiring a licence include anyone who rents out all or a portion of a home, cottage, cabin, apartment or condo in Georgian Bluffs for less than 30 days at time. Hotels, motels, long-term rentals of more than 30 days and certain other accommodations are regulated separately.
The municipality estimates there are currently close to 120 properties operating as short-term rentals in Georgian Bluffs, although the number does fluctuate throughout the year, peaking in the summer, a spokesperson said Tuesday.
STRA operators are being asked to start the licensing process by March 1 to ensure compliance with the new regulations and to allow time for processing applications before the summer tourist season takes off, the spokesperson said.
Under the program, primary residence licences where the property owner is on site are $500, while secondary residence licences where the owner isn’t on site, are $750. The municipality also offers seasonal licences for properties rented from May to October for $500. Accessory structure licences for additional units on the same property are $200 per unit.
The municipality has implemented a number of requirements through the program to ensure rental properties “meet essential safety and operational standards.”
Those requirements include proof of insurance in the amount of at least $2 million including indemnity to the township, a floor plan, a site plan, a septic pump out within the last five years, proof of ownership, and contact information of a responsible person who can respond to any issue within an hour.
Other required documents include a renter information package, and a declaration of primary or secondary residence.
For the safety of guests and to meet safety standards, each STRA must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors properly installed and maintained, accessible first aid kit and fire extinguishers and well-marked emergency exits, according to the township.
Information about Georgian Bluffs’ STRA program, including the online licence application, tips on being a good neighbour and operating a safe and welcoming STRA and other resources, can be found at www.georgianbluffs.ca/STRA